How much sun does Onionweed need?

Onionweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Onionweed bloom?

Onionweed blooms in April and May.

What pollinators does Onionweed attract?

Onionweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Onionweed HOA-friendly?

Onionweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Onionweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asphodelus fistulosus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Onionweed

Onionweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Onionweed is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Try it with your yard

Wild onion is a slender perennial that produces tall, hollow stems topped with small white or pale pink flowers in spring. This Mediterranean native has adapted well to arid climates and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Onionweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Considered weedy and invasive in many areas
Irregular growth habit looks unmanicured
Can spread aggressively

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract bees and beetles during an important early season period. The plant provides nectar when few other flowers are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Onionweed need?: Onionweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Onionweed bloom?: Onionweed blooms in April and May.
What pollinators does Onionweed attract?: Onionweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Onionweed HOA-friendly?: Onionweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Onionweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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